New Benefits of Dark Chocolate

Makes you smarter, prevents cavities, lowers blood pressure…

RealAge.com has a treat for us… more research suggesting body and brain benefits of dark, dark chocolate… 70% cocoa content. More antioxidants, lower blood pressure, heart disease protection, improved cholesterol, longevity and more. Can this be? Read the article and links to salve your guilt about eating an ounce once in a while. Oh yeah!

Health Care-toon taken from the Health Care-toons Calendar (undated) by Jeff Haebig and Ed Fischer.

Desk Workouts

Workouts for the workaholic to keep the body and brain sharp!

Loyola Center for Fitness offers a quick way to increase energy level while working at your desk. Move the body! Invigorate the brain! Mini workouts in three main fitness categories (cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility) are described. Print out this list provided by Newswise and post it by your desk. Program yourself to use various exercises every 15 or 20 minutes. “If co-workers give you a strange look while you are exercising, ask them to join you,” said Kara Smith, special programs coordinator at the Loyola Center for Fitness.

The body greatly influences the brain… let’s use it often to boost the mind!

Get More Exercise Next Year!

Aerobic Exercise is Your Best New Year's Resolution

Watch the ScienCentral video showing why exercise increases mental alertness. The research by Judy Cameron, a neuroscientist at the Oregon National Primate Research Center run by the Oregon Health and Sciences University reported more blood flow to the brain, carrying more oxygen and metabolic nutrients.

Once you get going -- keep going. Blood vessel volume returned to pre-exercise levels in the monkey group that were sedentary for three months after the regular exercise regime.

Watch the video http://www.sciencentral.com/articles/view.php3?language=english&type=article&article_id=218392158